Too often, families find themselves in the position of caregiver for a family member or loved one. Rarely is this a planned event. Usually the day comes when it becomes very evident that someone they are close to can no longer care for themselves, whether due to mental or physical decline. The conversations that follow are usually filled with emotions with no clear plan in place beforehand. It’s sometimes made even more difficult when the person exhibiting the symptoms is in denial and resists moving into a long term care or even an assisted living facility.
Located on the storied North Fork of Long Island in the picturesque hamlet of Greenport, New York, along the shores of the Long Island Sound, San Simeon by the Sound Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation is a community-based not-for-profit, 120-bed skilled nursing, rehabilitation and adult day care facility. They are well known not only for their expert medical staff but also for the compassion they routinely show to the many caretakers who have guests residing in their facility. They are the first to acknowledge the ongoing emotional toll it can take on each person and do their best to help when those crucial decisions need to be made and also assist with making the transition as smooth as possible.
Unlike many other care programs that just focus on patient care, San Simeon by the Sound offers a robust list of services to help caregivers who have someone residing there. These include:
Caregiver Support Group:
San Simeon offers a weekly caregiver support group right at the facility. It’s free of charge, open to the surrounding community and facilitated by a licensed social worker from the Family Service League. Many participants are eager to go as they find comfort knowing that they are not alone in their situation and face many of the same challenges. What makes the program unique is its structure which is a blend of caregiver education and stress management:
Program Highlights:
- The program is designed to help people caring for a frail or elderly relative to cope with the inherent stress of their situation.
- Attendees will learn new coping skills for stress, gain a better understanding of their role and options, and receive help securing any assistance that may be available.
- The educational aspect of the program speaks directly to key aspects of the aging process— disease management, self-care, psychological changes, social stimulation, nutrition and many other factors that impact seniors and caregivers.
Unrestricted Visiting Hours:
The staff at San Simeon by the Sound know that oftentimes family members work different hours, yet want the opportunity to stop by to visit a loved one. For this reason, they offer an open door policy and unrestricted visiting hours, and are always happy to greet someone coming to see one of their residents.
Family Council:
The creation of a Family Council was something that the administration of San Simeon took very seriously. This monthly, family-led council provides a platform and partnership for administration and staff to ensure that each resident in every type of program receives the best possible care, is treated with dignity and continually enjoys a quality life. Each member of the council makes it a priority to be open to hearing new ideas and suggestions on how to continually improve every aspect of the facility and it gives families a place to voice any concerns constructively. The council is always seeking new ways to provide caregiver support, whether through educational or other support resources.
Meditation Group
Administrators at San Simeon were pleasantly surprised to see the level of participation when a free monthly meditation group was offered to resident’s family members to help ease their stress and better manage the ups and downs that can come when having a loved one in a care facility. Each session focuses on simple breathing techniques to encourage a relaxed mind and decreased stress. A favorite saying among the staff is “when we quiet our mind, peace begins.”
It’s the Little Things That Count
Visiting family members and friends are frequently on-the-go, have virtual work demands and much more, so for convenience, free Wi-Fi service is offered throughout the San Simeon complex. Hotel discounts are available for family members who want to have a more extended visit with their loved ones who are being cared for at San Simeon.
What we have learned at San Simeon is that being a caregiver can sometimes be a full time worry, even if your loved one is staying with us on a short term or long-term basis. It’s so important to take time for yourself and not feel guilty about it. Too often caretakers begin to neglect their own, individual needs which ends up not helping anyone. If you are feeling overwhelmed at any time, please let our caring staff know. They can certainly assure you that you are not the first to feel this way and can offer a variety of resources to help you feel more in control. San Simeon is so committed to supporting caregivers that it’s even a part of the formal mission statement that all employees are expected to adhere to. Please feel welcome to give us a call tel: +1 631-477-2110 at any time and we will make certain that you feel supported and understood.
